Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here's why I recommend NO sand including the Calci-Sand and Vita-sand brands...no matter what the bag claims.. those claims do NOT have to be upheld because there are no regulations for the production of reptile products. There are no standards that have to be met and so all sorts of claims can be made and not need to be substantiated..

www.pythons.com/calcium.html
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Lucien

1.1 Columbian Redtail Boa (BCI)(Sutekh and Isis)
2.1.2 Leopard geckos (2 Blizzards (Caine and Goliath), 1 Tangerine Albino (Tequila Sunrise ...Tiki for short) and 2 dbl. het blizzard x tang albino (Malice and Mystique))
0.1 Savannah Monitor (Kiros)
13 rats
1 Gerbil
2 Dogs (Loki and Storm)
2 cats (Sahara and Hercules)

no post

And just so you know.. Sand/Calium Sand can be a very slow killer... It doesn't always impact immediately but can kill over time.... significantly decreasing your geckos lifespan... I really do wish people would listen....Sand is not a leopard geckos natural habitat... there is sand there but they don't normally hunt/live on the stuff... No one seems to get that point....everyone seems to think the danger is "acceptable" while no danger to their health is acceptable....its our responsibility to provide them as safe and healthy and environment as we possibly can. The choice of sand isn't for their benefit but for ours...and thats never what the care of any animal should be. If we're determined to keep animals in captivity we should do the best for them that we possibly can and that means avoiding possible dangers to their health.
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Lucien

1.1 Columbian Redtail Boa (BCI)(Sutekh and Isis)
2.1.2 Leopard geckos (2 Blizzards (Caine and Goliath), 1 Tangerine Albino (Tequila Sunrise ...Tiki for short) and 2 dbl. het blizzard x tang albino (Malice and Mystique))
0.1 Savannah Monitor (Kiros)
13 rats
1 Gerbil
2 Dogs (Loki and Storm)
2 cats (Sahara and Hercules)

what should i use? that sucks! I really am thinking about that green turf stuff. would that work? And i refuse to use paper towels or tile will it work? Someone please help i dont want my poor speck to die!

No, the reptile carpet stuff will not work well, the gecko's toes get caught in it. Plus, it is very hard to sanitize. A lot of people use the tile lately. If you don't like the look of regular paper towels, you can get the recycled, unbleached ones that are sort of brownish colored.

Personally, I use the ultra fine play sand. It has very tiny, round grains, and what little they may ingest goes right through. You can not tell the difference between the poop of my hatchlings on paper towels and that of my adults on the sand. I know a lot of people don't like sand of any variety, but this works successfully for me. I do agree completely about the calcium sand, though. That stuff is just a way for the pet stores and companies to make money. It doesn't even disolve in hydrochloric acid!

Leslie

I know people have been claiming to use sand for long periods of time and having no problems what-so-ever, but I seriously see no need to take a risk. This has been debated sooo many times on here, lol. PaullyWog: When it comes to your gecko's LIFE, I don't think it matters if you don't "Feel" like using paper towels or tile. I don't see why tile is a hassle.. It's cheap, easy to clean and actually gives a natural look and feel to the cage. So, if you say you don't "feel" like using safe substrates, then that makes it sound like you really don't want your little gecko Speck to die.. I'm not trying to be rude or anything of that sort, I'm only trying to guide you to a wiser choice. I've seen countless posts on here that were labled "I'm sorry..", "I should have listened.." "I hate sand.." and stuff.. All because they said "They live on sand". Leopard Geckos live on hard, compacted earth that is covered in rocks and crevices. They will rarely encounter sand in the wild-- Not to mention were talking about a captive bred gecko.

I hope that information helps a bit, please make a wise decision.
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-Britney

1.2.1 Leopard Geckos: Ron, Raine, Dream and Tango.

N/P
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-Britney

1.2.1 Leopard Geckos: Ron, Raine, Dream and Tango.

I'm planning to get leopards, and there has always been a looooong discusion on sand. Is flat slate ok (not sharp), wich is glued with sealant? Or, slate covering most of the viv, and a little sand to fill in between the slate?

tile with whatever is easiest for you. It doesn't need sealant though, its heavey enough as it is.

Also buy the rustic rock looking ones with some grip for your leos

Im gonna use a bunch of thin pieces of slate or whatever, like natural tile, with sand,rocks,and gravel between the pieces. What exactly do you mean by tile? Real tile like you use in the kitchen floor or like natural-shaped pieces? Maybe a picture would give me an idea of exactly what you mean and I will probly go with that.

I don't have any pics because I use paper towel with all of my leos at the moment, but yes, kitchen floor sort of tiling. Be sure that the tile is grippable-- Not a smooth surface(Otherwise your leos will be slipping on it.) If you are going to put slate in the enclosure and you plan on stacking it, please be sure that the slate is sturdy and won't topple over when your leos try to climb it. That could injure or even kill your gecko. I'm glad you've decided to use a safer substrate, this shows that your best interest is in the leo's well being. Take care.
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-Britney

1.2.1 Leopard Geckos: Ron, Raine, Dream and Tango.